ARE YOU BOTHERED BY THE WRINKLES UNDER YOUR EYES? READ THIS WEEK'S BLOG TO LEARN ABOUT UNDER EYE WRINKLES AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM.

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the aging process. Wrinkles on the face, neck, hands, and arms are the most noticeable because these areas are frequently exposed to damaging external factors like sun damage. Other environmental factors such as toxins, pollution and lifestyle also contribute to skin aging.

Genetics also play an essential role in the structure and texture of your skin, but the number one cause of accelerated signs of aging is UV damage.

Wrinkles are lines or folds in the skin. Some may be lines, but others may be deep creases that are most prominent around the eyes, mouth, and neck.

The skin around our eyes is thin and delicate. It is 40% thinner than the rest of the face. As a result, it is vulnerable to the aging process.

Kinds of undereye wrinkles

Static wrinkles are the wrinkles that typically begin to appear in your mid 30's. They are lines on your face that are visible when your facial muscles are at rest or relaxed.

Dynamic Wrinkles are wrinkles that manifest in your late 20's or early 30's. Those who are overexposed to UV rays may show signs of aging earlier. Perhaps, even as early as their 20’s if they did not take proper sun precautions in their teenage years. 

Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles that appear when the muscles contract, such as when you smile or frown. Crow's feet are examples of dynamic wrinkles. They usually appear close to the eyebrows and forehead.

 Wrinkle folds are caused by aging. They appear as our facial structure sags as we age. They become furrows between the nose and mouth, which is also known as nasolabial fold. Wrinkles are also formed under the eyes. These wrinkles usually start to appear at age 50.

What are the causes of undereye wrinkles?

1. Aging

The main cause of undereye wrinkles is aging. The skin around your eyes, or the periorbital hallow, is thinner than the rest of the skin on your face and neck. This area is the first to manifest signs of aging.

2. UV Rays

Overexposure to the UV rays from the sun and inadequate eye protection contribute to the breakdown of collagen in your skin. UV rays also cause the synthesis of free radicals within the skin, which destroys the elastin fibers. This contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and a rough, leathery texture around the eye area.

3. Sleeping Position

Sleeping with your face down on your pillow or curling to one side may cause short-term and long-term skin concerns. Puffy eyes are the most common result. According to experts, how you sleep can contribute to how you age. It is recommended to sleep on your back to prevent premature signs of aging on the face.

Lines from the sheets or pillows inscribed on your face are unsightly and it takes longer for the skin to bounce back as you grow older. Sleeping with your face crumbled in the same position each night may lead to creases in the skin that become irreversible over time.

4. Facial Expressions

Unique habitual facial expressions such as raising your eyebrows or frowning can also cause premature undereye wrinkles. A repetitive facial expression can ultimately become sketched in your face.

5. Smoking

A smoker will develop deeper, more pronounced wrinkles. This is because nicotine in tobacco causes the blood vessels to constrict, limiting the amount of blood that flows to the skin. This eventually damages the skin's collagen and elastin fibers. Pursing your lips together to inhale and squinting your eyes while smoking also contributes to permanent signs of aging in the form of crow's feet and under eye wrinkles.

6. Allergies

Untreated allergies can cause watery eyes or inflammation around the eye area, which leads to puffiness. Frequent eye puffiness stretches the delicate skin around the eyes, causing wrinkles and dark circles.

7. Diet

Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are formed when proteins or fat combine with sugar. AGEs damage collagen and elastic fibers on the skin. As a result, the skin, especially the thin skin around the eye area, loses its elasticity, which leads to wrinkling and sagging. Food with high sugar content produces more AGE’s which damages the skin.

What are the ways to prevent under eye wrinkles?

Dehydration caused by insufficient water intake and hot weather can cause the skin to lose moisture, causing dryness and wrinkling. Daily intake of a sufficient amount of water minimizes the appearance of skin aging. Ideally, drinking eight to ten glasses of water is advised to restore moisture to the skin and prevent dryness and irritation. Cutting down on alcohol also prevents eye puffiness.

 2. Sun Protection

Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, whether it be a sunny day or a cloudy day. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or visor are effective ways to provide additional protection to your eye area. It also helps you to avoid squinting, which is an expression that contributes to the appearance of eye wrinkles when repeatedly done over time.

 3. Healthy Diet

Experts say that a healthy diet directly affects skin health. A diet rich in antioxidants and fatty acids can give you a smoother, firmer, and more younger-looking skin.

Load up with food that is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E. These essential vitamins support collagen synthesis and healthy skin cell renewal.

 4. Treat your allergies

Treating your allergy symptoms can prevent inflammation around your eyes. It can also give your face a more relaxed appearance and prevent damage on the skin around the eyes.

 5. Gentle exfoliation

To promote cell growth, you can gently exfoliate the dull and dry skin under your eyes with products specially made to exfoliate the eye area.

 6. Treat your eye area with an eye cream or eye gel

Cooling gels and serums made for the under eyes significantly help prevent fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Moisturizers enriched with potent ingredients such as peptides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid are supported by studies to enhance collagen production, circulation, and cell renewal. Moisturizers also provide intense hydration for smoother and wrinkle-free skin. Use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers to avoid irritating your eyes.

 7. Quit smoking

Quitting smoking has numerous advantages to your overall health. It stops oxidative stress that damages the elastin and collagen in your skin. It is also important to avoid secondhand smoke because it contributes to the damage of elastin fibers and collagen. When you stop smoking, you also stop squinting your eyes, which helps prevent dynamic wrinkles around the eyes.

 8. Good sleeping habits

Getting enough sleep provides time for the skin to repair and rejuvenate itself. Ideally, healthy adults need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. The skin’s natural repairing process is most optimal while you sleep which helps boost collagen production. Collagen is ultimately what makes the skin plumper, smoother and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.

Sleeping on your back eases your face of constant pressure against your pillow. It will minimize unwanted “sleep lines” or wrinkles on your face, including your eye area.

Cosmetic and medical treatments for under eye wrinkles

There are several cosmetic and medical treatments done by aestheticians for under eye wrinkles. They provide immediate results but may come with some side effects.

The most common procedures are:

1. Facial rejuvenation

Dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet can be treated by injecting botulinum toxin or Botox into the skin. It prevents the muscles under the wrinkles from moving. The positive effects may only last up to four months. Paralysis and permanent eye damage are possible long-term side effects.

 2.  Fillers

Aestheticians can inject collagen or hyaluronic acid into the skin under the eyes. Under Eye wrinkles will immediately disappear. Bruising, bleeding, and infections leading to tissue death are possible side effects.

 3. Laser treatments

Fractional laser treatment is a popular treatment for under eye wrinkles. It works by nudging microscopic holes into the skin to induce the production of collagen and elastin redness, swelling, infection, and scarring are some possible side effects. 

 4. Micro-needling

Micro-needling is another popular treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. This procedure includes poking the skin with tiny needles, followed by applying a serum or cream. It also stimulates collagen production to improve fine lines. Bleeding, bruising, peeling, and infection are possible side effects.

There are a variety of safe and non-invasive ways to treat under eye wrinkles nowadays. 
 
YEOUTH has two premium products that can effectively treat your under-eye wrinkles and help hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes.

 Radiance Eye Gel with Hyaluronic Acid and Tripeptide ( $24.95 )

Retinol Eye Cream with Hyaluronic acid, Green Tea, and Caffeine ( $18.95 )